Birth – Kindergarten Major, BS

The Birth-Kindergarten Education program offers students the choice of three concentrations, the Birth through Kindergarten Education Teacher Licensure Concentration, the Birth through Kindergarten Business Optional Concentration, and the Early Intervention and Preschool Concentration. The Birth-Kindergarten Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the NC State Board of Education.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Birth-Kindergarten Education Program to prepare prospective educators with the knowledge, skills, and disposition to work with typical and atypical children, ages birth through five years, in a variety of settings, such as public schools, developmental centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, day-care agencies, infant, and nursery schools, and other agencies serving children and families. Consistent with the guidelines from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and NCATE, the program is designed to prepare professionals committed to working in collaboration with families and other partners serving children and families.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will:

Promote child development and learning for all young children with and without disabilities, including those at-risk.

Demonstrate an understanding of assessment processes, including their goals, benefits and uses.

Provide a safe and appropriate learning environment in which children experience positive and nurturing relationships with caring adults.

Demonstrate preparedness for teaching and learning by creating an integrated curriculum and responsive environment.

Recognize and respect individual differences in program planning and implementation.

Major Requirements

The course of study for the Birth-Kindergarten Education program has an interdisciplinary focus and includes course work from birth-kindergarten education, special education, education, psychology, sociology, and physical education. The program of study includes courses in general education, professional education, specialty area, and interdisciplinary core courses. For admission into teacher education, Birth-Kindergarten Education majors must complete the general education core curriculum and all other requirements during the first two years of enrollment.

Majors in the Birth-Kindergarten Education (BKE) Program are encouraged to become active in professional organizations to give them a focus outside the classroom. Suggested organizations include the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI), National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Specialized Admission Requirements for the Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Licensure Major

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Students wishing to pursue any of the Teacher Education programs must be formally admitted to the teacher education program at WSSU at the end of the sophomore year if they plan to complete the program on schedule. The criteria for admission into Teacher Education include but are not limited to:

Official ETS passing test scores on PRAXIS I (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) or acceptable ACT/SAT scores.

Candidate’s signed statement of commitment regarding dispositions expected from all teacher education candidates.

Official transcript(s) of all postsecondary education

Three professional references, one of which must be from a faculty member in the candidate’s program of study.

Writing an acceptable essay or presenting other approved evidence of sound writing skills

Completing a satisfactory virtual introduction (videotape)

Completion of general education student credit hours (Exit of General Education)

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and at least a grade of C in all General Education courses in English, Mathematics, and Speech.

Recommendation of the Teacher Education Advisement and Partnership (TEAP) Center.

Admission to teacher education program is a prerequisite for taking all 4000-level courses and selected 3000-level courses in certain program areas. Applications for admission into teacher education programs are due by the last day of classes each term. Admission decisions are made at monthly meetings of the Professional Education Council during the fall and spring semesters.

Progression Requirements (Teacher Licensure Program)

All students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and earn a grade of “C” or better in all major courses.

In the BKE Teacher Licensure program, All BKE and education courses above the 3000 level require admission to Teacher Education and completion of the requirements listed in the admissions requirements. Some of the courses have prerequisites and students should make sure they have met the requirements before enrolling in the course(s).